The First Frost
2025 Chinese romantic series
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The First Frost (Chinese: 难哄) is a 2025 Chinese romantic television series starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan.[1][2] The plot is adapted from the Chinese web novel of the same name by Zhu Yi.[3] On 18 February 2025, it was released on Youku and Netflix worldwide.[4] It is about two former high school classmates who reunite after years and accidentally share the same apartment. It delves into the complexities of love, longing, trauma and healing.[5] On 15 November 2025, the Chinese animation First Frost was announced on Bilibili.[6]
- Hard To Please
- Difficult To Coax
by Zhu Yi
| The First Frost | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Also known as |
|
| Simplified Chinese | 难哄 |
| Genre | |
| Based on | The First Frost by Zhu Yi |
| Screenplay by | Qu Youning |
| Directed by |
|
| Starring | |
| Opening theme | "Willful" by Mayday |
| Ending theme | "It's You" by Li Yuchun |
| Country of origin | China |
| Original language | Mandarin |
| No. of episodes | 32 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Long Danni |
| Production location | |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production company | Youku |
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | 18 February – 10 March 2025 |
| Related | |
| |
On 23 August 2025, the series' two episodes were screened for 91 minutes at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.[7] It sets a record by exceeding 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' points within 2 days of its release on Youku.[8] On 27 February 2025, it was ranked 6th in 'Netflix Top TV Shows Worldwide', and has set the record for the highest ranked C-drama in 'Netflix Global' daily ranking history.[9][10] It was ranked in the S+ Tier i.e. 'Top Performing Shows' on Yunhe Chart.[11]
Plot
Wen Yifan accidentally runs into Sang Yan at a bar after six years. The two were high school classmates and had a crush on each other. However, she was driven to reject his feelings, causing them to drift apart. To avoid the awkwardness, they pretend not to know each other.[12] Due to circumstances, they are compelled to confront each other when they end up sharing the same roof. The nature of their relationship changes when Wen Yifan learns that she's sleepwalking again. Her condition escalates due to past family trauma and she finds herself in Sang Yan's room, which further intertwines their lives.[13]
Cast
| Character | Cast | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sang Yan | Bai Jingting | Co-owner of Overtime restaurant & bar, team lead in a video game company and Yifan's high school crush[14] |
| Wen Yifan | Zhang Ruonan | News reporter/journalist, a former ballerina and Sang Yan's high school love[15] |
| Zhong Siqiao | Zhang Miaoyi | Delivery girl, care services provider and Yifan's best friend[16] |
| Su Haoan | Edward Chen | Co-owner of Overtime and Sang Yan's friend from high school days |
| Xiang Lang | Zhai Xiaowen | Yifan and Siqiao's childhood friend, has a crush on Yifan |
| Mu Chengyun | Yuan Ye | College student, intern in Yifan's team and has a crush on her |
| Zhao Yuandong | Feng Yunzhi | Yifan's mother |
| Wen Liangzhe | Zhao Xiaodong | Yifan's father |
| Zheng Kejia | Duan Xingyu | Yifan's stepsister, intern in Sang Yan's team |
| Che Yanqin | Kong Lin | Yifan's aunt |
| Che Xingde | Li Hongchen | Yanqin's brother |
| Wen Ming | Ji Peng | Yanqin's son, Yifan's cousin |
| Zhang Wenhong | He Jiong | Highschool teacher for Sang Yan and Yifan |
| Li Ping | Deng Ying | Sang Yan's mother |
| Sang Rong | Wei Zixin | Sang Yan's father |
| Sang Zhi | Liu Chutian | Sang Yan's younger sister[17] |
| Duan Jiaxu | Wu Yuheng | Sang Yan's college dormmate and friend |
| Jiang Ru | Paw Heeching | Su Haoan's grandmother |
| Su Haojia | Paul Chun | Su Haoan's grandfather. He was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease |
| Uncle Ma | Zhang Shihong | Su Haoan's uncle and grandpa's caretaker |
| Su Tian | Chen Jianan | Pregnant lady and news editor, Yifan's colleague |
| Fu Zhuang | Zhang Keyuan | Reporting camera assistant, Yifan's colleague |
| Qian Wenhua | Fu Miao | News Department team lead |
| Jiang Zhong Wei | Gan Hong Yuan | News Department manager |
| Yu Zhou | Zhang Ruixi | Overtime staff |
| Chen Junwen | Zhe Tang | Overtime co-owner and Sangyan's college friend |
| Qian Fei | Su Yiyang | Overtime co-owner and Sangyan's college friend |
| Wen Yifan (young) | Li Mei Yibing | 8-year-old Yifan with her dad |
| Sang Zhi (young) | Ai Rui | Sang Yan's younger sister |
| Wang Jun Yuan | Lily Wang | Police office |
| Lin Yuqing | Zhang Muxi | Ballet teacher in Hong Kong |
| A Sen | Jeffrey Ngai | Ballet teacher in Hong Kong |
| Wang Linlin | Suo Langmei Qi | Su Haoan's ex-girlfriend |
Soundtrack
On 31 December 2024, Taiwanese rock band Mayday released an official OST and music video for the series.[18] "The Invisible Man" sung by Bai Jingting, originally sung by Stefanie Sun from her 2005 album A Perfect Day, was listed among 'Top 10 Songs' on streaming platforms.[19][20] At the series finale, Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan performed a piano rendition of the song "Willful".[21]
| Title | Artist | Lyrics/Composer | Channel | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willful Theme Song |
Mayday | Ashin | B'in Music | 4:40 |
| I'm So Into You | Xiao Bingchih | Xiao Bingchih | 4:24 | |
| Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day | Silence Wang | Silence Wang | Dreamer Music | 3:56 |
| The Invisible Man | Bai Jingting | Xiaohan, Eric Ng | 4:45 | |
| Serenade | Mao Buyi | Mao Buyi | 4:06 | |
| It's You Ending Song |
Li Yuchun | Li Ziming | Official Channel | 5:21 |
| Everything | Zhang Ruonan & Zhang Miaoyi | Jesse Deng | 3:40 | |
| Late | Zhang Bichen | Zhang Pengpeng | 4:25 | |
| Stubborn | Sandee Chan | Sandee Chan | 3.23 | |
| I’ve Never Liked Anyone Except You | Zhao Lei & Fine Band | Wang Tianfang, Huang Yueyang, Shen Mingli | 3:45 | |
| Look at Me | Yan Yidan | Yan Yidan | 4:14 | |
| Crush | Edward Chen | Zhuang Zhuheng | 4:15 | |
| My Dear | Zhang Zhenhao | Li Zhizi | Dreamer Music | 4:03 |
| There Is You Amidst Raindrops | Chen Kexin | Crispy Band (Taiwanese) | Official Channel | 4:00 |
Reception
Director Qu Youning joined the post-screening exchange at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, South Korea.[22] Before its release, the series collected over 8M reservations on Youku.[23][24] It surpassed billions of views across Douyin and Xiaohongshu;[25] set the record for contemporary dramas,[26][27] and was named the 'Hottest Youth Idol C-Drama'.[28][29] Its popularity led to its first merchandise pop-up store in Taiwan.[30][31]
During its release, Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan were ranked 'Top C-Drama Artists in the International Market'.[32][33] Bai's role as Sang Yan was ranked 1st on the 'Character Index List'.[34][35]
Critics reviews
Gulf News praises stating that "The First Frost is a more mature, emotionally intense journey. Bai Jingting bringing a quiet intensity that makes Sang Yan's pain all the more palpable. Zhang Ruonan delivers a powerful performance as Wen Yifan, whose guarded nature hides layers of emotional turmoil. The dual perspective storytelling, adds a compelling layer to the narrative, showing how emotions shape their interactions."[36][37] Indiatimes states that "The non-linear storytelling, seamlessly transitioning from their high-school desk to their now shared apartment, never confuses you. The visual aesthetic perfectly complements the theme of the drama. The thoughtful, slow pacing highlights subtle expressions, portraying their untangled yet impactful history."[38]
The Evrim Ağacı website stated that "The show dives deeply with emotion, centering on themes of heartbreak, longing, and healing. The initial episodes have delighted viewers, showcasing the commendable chemistry between leads, and expertly retaining the charm of the characters."[39] India Today stated that "The First Frost delivers it all, with stellar performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a script that captures weight of regret. A drama that lingers long after the credits."[40] English Jagran stated that "The First Frost leaves lasting impact worldwide, with its thought provoking storytelling, poetic visuals, narratives and masterful character development."[41][42]
GQ stated that the "This slow burn romance is packed with unspoken love, youthful chemistry and strong emotions, unfolding in a joyous manner as destiny brings protagonist under the same roof."[43] India Forum states that "The First Frost is a gripping and evocative statement on how mental abuse in teenage affects people. From being too self-reliant to dealing with constant low self-esteem, it touches a raw nerve."[44] Mashable rated 4/5 stating that "The First Frost hits all the emotional and heart-fluttering beats, a bingeable C-drama. It’s a refreshing and deeply nice take on romance, new insights that raise awareness on sensitive issues."[45]
Daily Tribune (Philippines) praised The First Frost stating that "It is a soul stirring and angsty masterpiece. It's a drama that stays with you long after the credits have rolled - a warm, lingering hug on the coldest of nights."[46] Newspoint appreciated stating that "The series deals with the aftermath of discovering love in a painful and gut-wrenching way. Its cinematography doesn't just display sentiments, it makes you feel them."[47] Dramadaze highlights that "The First Frost is the perfect balance between heartfelt romance and visual storytelling. It’s a love story that feels both grand and personal, pulling you in with its sincerity."[48]
Production
The First Frost is produced by Wajijiwa, Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., and Hunan Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media Co. Ltd.[49] The production house issued an official statement on their Weibo account that a live adaptation of Zhu Yi's novel The First Frost will be made.[50] In August 2023, the production house stated the series was undergoing script polishing and content development.[51] It also has a Manhua adaption named Eternal Love. On 24 March 2024, the initial posters were released.[52] From February to June 2024, the filming took place in Chongqing.[53][54] On 27 June 2024, the series' first official teaser was released.[55] In December 2024, the series got its airing permit for 32 episodes on Youku.[56]
Ratings
The series topped Yunhe with 50M daily views, Dengta with 70M views, 19.7% market share, and led other platforms.[57]
- The Orange number represents the lowest ratings and the Blue number represents the highest ratings in China.
- Based on the average audience share per day (Yunhe Data).
| Day | Original Broadcast Date | Episode | Average Audience Share | National Ranking China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 18, 2025 | 1-4 | 7.7% | 2 |
| 2 | February 19, 2025 | 5-6 | 13.2% | 1 |
| 3 | February 20, 2025 | 7-8 | 15.6% | 1 |
| 4 | February 21, 2025 | 9-10 | 18.5% | 1 |
| 5 | February 22, 2025 | 11 | 20.5% | 1 |
| 6 | February 23, 2025 | 12 | 19.4% | 1 |
| 7 | February 24, 2025 | 13-14 | 18.3% | 1 |
| 8 | February 25, 2025 | 15 | 17.7% | 1 |
| 9 | February 26, 2025 | 16 | 16.1% | 1 |
| 10 | February 28, 2025 | 17-18 | 18.1% | 1 |
| 11 | March 1, 2025 | 19 | 19.1% | 1 |
| 12 | March 2, 2025 | 20 | 18.4% | 1 |
| 13 | March 3, 2025 | 21 | 16.6% | 1 |
| 14 | March 4, 2025 | 22 | 16.1% | 1 |
| 15 | March 5, 2025 | 23 | 15.3% | 1 |
| 16 | March 7, 2025 | 24 | 13.4% | 1 |
| 17 | March 8, 2025 | 25-26 | 16.1% | 1 |
| 18 | March 9, 2025 | 27-28 | 18.1% | 1 |
| 19 | March 10, 2025 | 29-32 | 16.8% | 1 |
| Average |
16.6% | |||
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 30th Busan International Film Festival (Asian Content & Global OTT Awards) |
Best Leading Actor | Bai Jingting | Nominated | [58] |
| People's Choice Awards: Best Actor | Won | [59] | |||
| Best OTT Original | The First Frost | Nominated | [60] | ||
| Best Original Song | Willful: Mayday | Nominated | [61] | ||
| Weibo Cultural Exchange Thailand |
Most Popular TV Series | The First Frost | Won | ||
| Weibo TV & Internet Video Summit | Popular Work of the Year | Won | [62] | ||
| Best Original Work | Won | ||||
| Best Drama | Nominated | ||||
| Best Drama Actor | Bai Jingting | Nominated | |||
| Best Drama Actress | Zhang Ruonan | Nominated | |||
| Best Drama Character | Sang Yan | Nominated | |||
| Wen Yifan | Nominated | ||||
| Best Drama Couple | Sang Yan & Wen Yifan Bai Jingting & Zhang Ruonan |
Nominated | |||
| Best OST | Willful: Mayday | Nominated | |||
| Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day: Silence Wang | Nominated | ||||
| 30th Asian Television Awards | Best Actor in Leading Role | Bai Jingting | Nominated | [63] | |
| Best Actress | Zhang Ruonan | Nominated | [64] | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Zhang Miaoyi | Nominated | |||
| Best Scriptwriting | Qu Youning | Nominated | |||
| Best Cinematography | Xinhua Feng | Nominated | |||
| Best Editing | Yuwei Wang | Nominated | |||
| Best Production Design | Honghu Liang | Nominated | |||
| Best Theme Song | Willful: Mayday | Won | |||
| Chinese American Film Festival (Golden Angel Award) |
Best TV Series | The First Frost | Nominated | ||
| Youku Annual Breakout Hits Awards | Best Seller | Won | |||
| Best Modern Drama | Won | ||||
| 2026 | Tencent Music Chart Awards (Top 10 Songs) |
Top Song of the Year | Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day: Silence Wang | Won | |
| Album of the Year | Won | ||||
| Drama OST of the Year | 2nd | ||||
| Original Song of the Year | 4th | ||||
| Music Video of the Year | 6th | ||||
| Longest Charting Song | 9th | ||||
| Drama OST of the Year | Willful: Mayday | 8th | |||
| Female Listeners’ Favorite | My Dear: Zhang Zhenhao | Won | |||
| Huanwang Big Data Awards | Best Actor | Bai Jingting | Nominated | [65] | |
| Popular Actor of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| Popular Actress of the Year | Zhang Ruonan | Nominated | |||
| Commercially Valuable Drama of the Year | The First Frost | Nominated | |||
| Popular Drama | Nominated | ||||
| 7th Cloud+ Awards | Long Series of the Year | Won | |||
| Weibo Night | Breakthrough Actress of the Year | Zhang Ruonan | Won | [66] | |
| SMG TV Drama Quality Awards | Annual Quality and Powerful Drama Star | Bai Jingting | Won | ||
| Best Quality Actress | Zhang Ruonan | Won |
